Actor Mariyam Nafees has raised concerns about the safety of children under the care of male nannies, urging parents to reconsider their choice of caregivers. In a video message posted on YouTube on Wednesday, she said she and her husband were left unsettled during a recent visit to vaccinate their son, Eesa, when they noticed two young girls accompanied by male caretakers.
Expressing her discomfort, Nafees questioned how any parent could trust a man with such responsibility given the alarming prevalence of child abuse in Pakistan. Quoting a 2023 Al Jazeera report, she pointed out that a child was sexually abused “every other hour” in the country. She stressed that the actual situation was even grimmer due to widespread underreporting and the tendency of families to cover up incidents rather than pursue justice.
Nafees stated that both she and her husband were disturbed by the idea of male nannies being in charge of children, particularly young girls. She appealed to parents who can afford alternatives to hire female caretakers instead, emphasizing that children’s safety must remain the top priority.
The actor’s comments have sparked discussion on social media, with some supporting her stance while others stressing the need to avoid generalizations. Critics argue that abuse can occur at the hands of both men and women, and caution that prevention should focus on awareness, background checks, and stricter enforcement of child protection laws.
Official data highlights the seriousness of the issue. A May 2024 report documented 3,364 cases of child abuse across Pakistan, of which 1,828 involved sexual abuse. Among the victims, 1,791 were girls (53 percent) and 1,573 were boys.
Experts warn that perpetrators are often people with close access to children, including family members, teachers, coaches, and caretakers. They urge parents to remain vigilant, establish open communication with their children, and monitor interactions carefully to minimize risks.
